Kovalainen's hopes are fading

Heikki Kovalainen admits his chances of remaining in F1 are not looking good and that there is "not much more" he can do to secure his future...

Heikki Kovalainen admits his chances of remaining in F1 next season are not looking good and that there is "not much more" he can do to secure his future.

Joining Tony Fernandes' Caterham team ahead of their first season in the sport, Kovalainen has played an integral role in growing the team.

However, the Finn's days both at Caterham - and in F1 - could end with this weekend's season finale in Brazil.

"I'm not too stressed about it. It is what it is. If it's the last race it's a shame, but the situation is quite tricky for me and there is not much more that I can do," Kovalainen told Autosport.

"If that's what it's going to be that's what it's going to be. I'm just fully focused on this weekend and on trying to achieve the best result for the team.

"Who knows what's going to happen, but from my experience it's never good when it's this late in the season and things have not been decided. But that's how it is.

"I know I'm on the list. I still have a very good relationship with Tony [Fernandes] and the team and it could well be that I stay here, but just from my experience I know how things are in Formula 1. And when it gets late it's never a good sign."

The 31-year-old revealed that he is looking at different motor racing series as other F1 options want money in return for a race-seat.

"It won't be the end, whatever happens. I have a life. I'm not going to go and kill myself. Of course we are looking at the options, outside F1 as well, but also in F1.

"But even the other options require some money, and I don't want to go that route. I told my manager not to actively find money. I don't think it leads to anything.

"If you have a big backer like Santander that went with you to a team it's a different thing. But to collect the money for one season doesn't do anything. It's not what it's all about.

"I just don't think there is a structure for it. I think there needs to be a clear plan to go and find money to race in the middle of the grid. It doesn't appeal to me."